This Generation

“There will appear signs in the sun, moon and stars; and on earth, nations will be in anxiety and bewilderment at the sound and surge of the sea, as people faint with fear at the prospect of what is overtaking the world; for the powers in heaven will be shaken.And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with tremendous power and glory.When these things start to happen, stand up and hold your heads high; because you are about to be liberated!”

Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, Indeed, all the trees. As soon as they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things taking place, you are to know that the Kingdom of God is near! Yes! I tell you that this peoplewill certainly not pass away before it has all happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.

“But keep watch on yourselves, or your hearts will become dulled by carousing, drunkenness and the worries of everyday living, and that Day will be sprung upon you suddenly like a trap! For it will close in on everyone, no matter where they live, throughout the whole world. Stay alert, always praying that you will have the strength to escape all the things that will happen and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man.” Luke 21:25-36

Luke 21 is a long discourse on the end times. But notice in the version (CJB) verse 32 says, “this people”. Most versions say ‘generation’. Many people have tried to figure out if they might be that final ‘generation’. But the meaning changes entirely with ‘people’. The word in question is Strong’s #1074 ‘genea’. It can mean generation, people, etc. But clearly Jesus is talking about at least two different times, the first being the Roman sacking in 70-73AD, and another future to us. If Jesus meant that the Jews would not pass away till the coming of the Messiah it makes more sense to use ‘people’. A little study will show the fig tree representative of Judah. The Jewish people will certainly be in Jerusalem when the Day of Atonement happens. A good article about the fig tree: http://www.hope-of-israel.org/symbolfigtree.html